What is the UVI Obligation?
From 2027, landlords will be required to provide their tenants with monthly "interim consumption information" – provided that remote-readable measuring devices are installed in the building. The legal basis is the revised Heating Cost Ordinance (HKVO).
The goal: more transparency for tenants and an incentive for economical use of energy. The obligation applies to both heating cost allocators and water and heat meters.
Since 2021, only remote-readable devices may be installed in new installations. By December 31, 2026, at the latest, existing non-remote-readable meters must also be replaced or retrofitted. After that, the UVI obligation automatically takes effect as soon as the technical requirements are met.
What Must Be Included in the UVI?
The UVI includes the following content monthly:
- Consumption of the last month in kilowatt hours (kWh)
- Comparison to the previous month and the same month in the previous year (if available)
- Comparison to the average user in the building
- Energy sources, emissions, and primary energy factors where applicable
- Energy-saving tips and contact information for consultation
The information must be provided in a clearly understandable form – via app, web portal, or letter. Tenants must not bear any costs for the UVI.
Bottlenecks & Challenges in the Transition
The technical transition to UVI-capable infrastructure brings practical problems. The following areas are particularly considered risk fields:
| Area | Potential Bottleneck |
|---|---|
| Equipment Availability | High demand for radio meters can mean delivery delays |
| Skilled Workers & Service Providers | Bottlenecks with installers and measuring technology service providers |
| Compatibility & Interoperability | Not all devices work smoothly with existing software |
| Data Protection & IT | Secure handling of personal consumption data |
| Operating Costs | Radio modules, data transmission, and maintenance cause ongoing costs |
| Time Pressure | Many landlords wait until the last deadline, creating bottlenecks |
| Technical Limitations | Radio solutions are not always easily implementable in old buildings or special properties |
Exceptions & Special Cases
Some landlords are exempt from the obligation:
- Buildings with a maximum of two apartments, one of which is owner-occupied
- Properties without central heating or hot water supply
- Technically or economically unreasonable retrofitting
- Special buildings such as nursing homes, dormitories, barracks
Whether an exception can be claimed must be proven if in doubt.
⚠️ Consequences of Non-Implementation
If no UVI is provided despite available technology, tenants can reduce their heating costs by 3% (§ 12 HKVO). Furthermore, this can have implications for the formal validity of the billing.
Conclusion: Acting Now Pays Off
Landlords should start planning and implementation as early as 2025. Those who wait until 2026 risk technical and logistical problems. The switch to digital, remote-readable meters is not only legally required but can also reduce administrative effort and simplify billing.
💡 Final Tips
- Modular retrofitting instead of complete replacement: Some meters can be upgraded with radio modules – this saves costs.
- Use compatible systems: Pay attention to interoperability when choosing equipment to remain flexible.